Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Thank you for your engagement about matters at the heart of the public witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which calls us to a just and reconciling world. Luther Seminary has a deep commitment to the work of creating beloved community, an expression of which is articulated in our welcome statement, unanimously adopted by the student council, faculty, and board last year.

At the same time, we acknowledge that we are sinners in a broken world and community, and that there is much to be done as we seek to live into the aspirations in the welcome statement. Thank you for naming some of the particularities of your own experience of this shared brokenness. We recognize that it is only by the power and promise of God’s redeeming love that we can become a community of reconciliation across differences of all kinds.

We look forward to following up with the student community about the specific requests laid out in your letter, in collaboration with our dean of students, campus pastor, faculty, board, and other key staff members. This is work we all share in together, and we are grateful for the initiative you’ve taken to engage in it.

In the meantime, we’d like to point our community to some resources and initiatives that are currently in place.

Beginning Fall 2018, the Executive Leadership Team at Luther Seminary, consisting of the president, vice presidents, and key departmental leaders, will meet quarterly with the Diversity Inclusion and Equity Task Force to ensure this work remains a high institutional priority and provide accountability.

August 22nd at 10 am – Noon: A discussion on racism led by a professional facilitator. Equity committee members Guillermo Hansen and Jaddie Edwards will interview 2-3 consultants to identify the best resource to partner with and facilitate this conversation.

Date TBD: A feedback session on the two previous employee trainings addressing white privilege and a diverse workforce. Breakout sessions will be held to further discuss the diversity, inclusion, and equity work that is planned over the coming months at Luther Seminary.